MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Pia Cayetano has called for an independent probe into the alleged sexual harassment filed by the daughter of former President Fidel Ramos against members of the Philippine Azkals before their match against the Malaysian team last week.
“I call for the immediate investigation of this incident so this can be put to rest, not only because this is a serious allegation made by match commissioner Cristy Ramos, who is a sports official, but also because the Azkals are looked up to by the youth as modern-day heroes and role models,” said Cayetano, chairperson of the Senate committee on youth, women and family relations.
Ramos claimed that in her pre-game inspection of the Azkals’ dugout last week, one of the team members, Lexton Moy allegedly made a comment about her bra size and that his teammates laughed in response.
She also complained about the inappropriate or disrespectful behavior of the Azkals’ Angel Guirado who was wearing only his underwear while the inspection was going on and did not bother to cover up.
At the same time, Claire Padilla, executive director of EnGenderRights, said the Philippine Sports Commission should conduct an investigation on the charges.
“Given the alleged facts, the acts constituted sexual harassment and the perpetrators must be meted with strict penalty,” she said.
Ramos has filed a complaint before the Asian Football Confederation while Azkals team manager Dan Palami and the Philippine Football Federation are conducting their respective probes into the matter.
Cayetano said that she was particularly bothered by the account of Ramos about the response of the Azkals to Moy’s quip about her bra size.
“While only two Azkals were charged in the complaint, I am bothered by the revelation made in Ramos’ account that their teammates were even laughing as the two accused were making fun of her, and that no one made any effort to stop their offending acts and remarks,” Cayetano said.
Cayetano, a noted triathlete, was among the first to react to the reported incident in her Twitter account, immediately condemning any act of sexual harassment against women.
“If I were in the shoes of Cristy Ramos, I would likewise feel extremely offended like any woman would be,” Cayetano said. – With reports from Helen Flores